D.S. in Information and Interaction Design

Create new applications of technology to enhance the way we work, play and live.

This 48-credit Doctor of Science program offers you an engaged, critical approach to interactive media and information technology that is highly original in American higher education; in fact, it is one of very few doctoral degree programs in the country that allows you to focus on new media that approaches communications design from both humanist and human-computer interaction perspectives.

You’ll explore one of four areas of focus aligned with your career aspirations and skills:

interaction design for digital media

user research

educational applications

government and public-sector applications.

Your studies culminate in a major doctoral dissertation project with a significant impact on the field; you will submit your dissertation project for evaluation by a committee of faculty and experts.

You'll have the opportunity to work on high-impact digital technology projects through cutting-edge research with such tools as a Tobii T60 eye tracker in the University's usability lab; our facilities support usability research, visual design, digital audio/video and interactive development.

Our students: are primarily prospective educators and consultants—with a background in either the humanities or information technologies—who enter the program with a clear objective of how they want to apply their studies. They possess refined research and writing skills and a demonstrated interest in digital media.

Our faculty: Once you’re here, you'll study with nationally prominent faculty members who are recognized scholars with long histories of educational innovation and interdisciplinary research. Their accomplishments range from literary studies and software design to neuroanatomy and social psychology.

Our graduates: have moved into faculty appointments at top universities and leadership positions in business and technology. Many of them combine disciplines in innovative positions—researching virtual communities, for example, and developing visualization for Web searches. In this program, you'll have the opportunity to test new approaches to communication, adding theoretical sophistication to productive practice.

Classes are offered evenings and weekends, and some courses are offered in the summer for continuing students. Additionally, some courses are offered online.